Who is Lee Zeldin? 5 Important Facts about the Head of Trump’s EPA
Before running for governor of New York, Lee Zeldin served as a congressman for the state.
President-elect Donald Trump announced on Nov. 11 that Lee Zeldin, former New York Congressman, is his pick for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Trump expressed confidence in Zeldin to establish new environmental standards that promote growth in a sustainable manner.
Here are five key points about Lee Zeldin:
Political Journey
Zeldin began his political career in 2010 as a New York State Senator before being elected to Congress in 2014, representing New York’s First Congressional District until 2023.
During his time in Congress, Zeldin served on various committees and was known for his advocacy on foreign policy, border security, and energy policy among other issues.
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Trump commended Zeldin’s efforts in advocating for his district and supporting infrastructure and research projects.
Zeldin staunchly defended Trump during impeachment proceedings and was part of his impeachment defense team. He was also among the lawmakers who voted against certifying the 2020 election results.
Defeat in Gubernatorial Race
In 2022, Zeldin ran for governor of New York but was unsuccessful, despite winning the GOP nomination and endorsements from prominent Republicans like Trump and DeSantis.
He focused his campaign on addressing crime rates in New York City, attributing them to existing policies. Although he won the majority of counties in New York, he conceded the race in November 2022.
Following his defeat, Zeldin chose not to pursue the Republican National Committee Chair position.
Personal Safety Concerns
During his gubernatorial campaign, shots were fired near Zeldin’s residence, with individuals being injured. Despite the incident, authorities confirmed it was unrelated to Zeldin or his family.
Another incident involved an assault on Zeldin during a campaign rally, resulting in a guilty plea from the perpetrator.
Zeldin’s Background
Prior to his political career, Zeldin served in the US Army, where he held various positions including military intelligence officer and prosecutor. He was deployed to Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2006.
As a cancer survivor, Zeldin announced his remission status in 2021, emphasizing that his treatments did not hinder his duties in Washington or the Army Reserves.
Contributions made by Jack Phillips, Zachary Steiber, and The Associated Press.
